Why I’m NOT Conquering the World in 2016 (and 3 Reasons Why You Should Join Me!)

2015 was a wild ride. I mean that in the full sense of bucking-bronco, I-might-actually-not-make-it-through-this-one kind of ride.

As a coach, I spend my days encouraging people to reach their fullest potential. I walk them through their challenges and celebrate their successes when they win the day. I try to follow my own advice… but when 2015 ended, I felt completely exhausted.

Burnt out.

Empty.

Can anyone here relate?

What’s an exhausted gal to do?

In this space, I want to be real with you. No gimmicks and no fluff. So here’s the truth:

While the rest of society is a week into their 2016 BEST YEAR EVER, I want to take a nap.

Sure, I feel the pressure to jump onto the resolution bandwagon, but that’s not what I need right now! I need to listen to my own advice, and just be myself. Take some time to rest, to plan, and to dream.

I’d rather do this year right than rush ahead and regret it.

Would you like to join me?

Maybe you already have your linen closet organized. Maybe you’re on track to reach your goal weight by February 1st. If so, I applaud you – there’s a standing ovation over here in your honor!

But if you’re already overwhelmed by your resolutions, I’d like to invite you to slow down. Come sit with me for awhile. We’ll sort through the pile together.

A slow & simple beginning – Full of grace

I have a small plan for this month. I’m reflecting on my successes and learning experiences from the past year. I’m exploring my options, deep-cleaning my desk, and developing a “filter” for new opportunities. I’ll let you in to see what’s going on “behind my scenes,” but even before we get there I’d like to invite you along.

This week, I’m telling myself that this “slow and simple” beginning is going to take some practice.

If you needed further convincing, here’s 3 reasons why you should join me in a slow start:

1. Your Quality of Life Will Improve

I’m refining my “thought filters” and will tell you about them. I’m passing all new ideas through the filters so that only the best opportunities make it to my calendar.

2. Your Focus Will Become a Laser Beam

One of the most important parts of growth – and the hardest – is to take time for reflection. Evaluating your own performance can be scary. But it’s the only way to determine if you’re actually meeting your goals! When you have a year’s worth of material to look at, patterns become clear. You can make better decisions when you have a bird’s-eye view.

3. You’ll Make Better Decisions

Many times, the decisions I’ve regretted were the impulsive ones. I said “Yes” when my gut said “No.” I declined because it sounded too hard. I pushed when the door said Pull.

Now, I’m all for spontaneity, but a little common sense can go a long way. I want to live the best life possible, so I’m working on a filter for my opportunities. If an idea, event, or project can make it through the filter, then I’ll know it’s worth considering.

2015 Was Tough, But We’re Tougher

This is going to be a great year – but it won’t be built in a day. Let’s give our lives – and ourselves – the respect and time we deserve.

Want exclusive content and uplifting inspiration from yours truly?

2015-Brain Freeze fruit year.
Time for me to get to the junky corners, drawers and cupboards.
Complete those writing projects and stop reading the next book before taking a breath and reviewing the last one so as to remember what it was about at a later date.
Love you Lee.
Happy 2016 !
Please make time to enjoy all the great new ice cream flavours you can find!
Luv S.

Beautiful, Lee. Your post could not be timed any better, and I am so grateful for you sharing this, as I am relating about 1000% to that new year resolution anxiety and overwhelm already. You’ve reminded me that though 2015 was a tough one, lots of good happened too, and instead of pressuring myself to analyze and repair or overturn what went “wrong”, or to pile on the to-do’s that didn’t get done onto 2016, it’s time for reflection and – yes – GRACE to honor what’s best for moving forward. Maybe what I thought needed to happen last year didn’t need to happen, and maybe it’s no longer a fit… and that’s ok. I’m ready to let go of the feeling that I’m behind and need to catch up and all the stress that goes along with it.
I’m with you sister. Thank you so much for sharing and for your courageous honesty, and for reminding us all to honor the call to slow down if that’s what best serves us.

Oh, thank you Kathleen! ::big hugs::
You’re so right – a new year isn’t an opportunity to turn ourselves into basket-cases. What didn’t happen obviously didn’t NEED to happen (or it would have happened!). We can grow in strength and grace while still acknowledging areas of life that need pruning. 😉
You’re NOT behind! There’s nowhere to “catch up” to! Let it gooooo…
All my love!

Beautiful, Lee. Your post could not be timed any better, and I am so grateful for you sharing this, as I am relating about 1000% to that new year resolution anxiety and overwhelm already. You’ve reminded me that though 2015 was a tough one, lots of good happened too, and instead of pressuring myself to analyze and repair or overturn what went “wrong”, or to pile on the to-do’s that didn’t get done onto 2016, it’s time for reflection and – yes – GRACE to honor what’s best for moving forward. Maybe what I thought needed to happen last year didn’t need to happen, and maybe it’s no longer a fit… and that’s ok. I’m ready to let go of the feeling that I’m behind and need to catch up and all the stress that goes along with it.
I’m with you sister. Thank you so much for sharing and for your courageous honesty, and for reminding us all to honor the call to slow down if that’s what best serves us.

Oh, thank you Kathleen! ::big hugs::
You’re so right – a new year isn’t an opportunity to turn ourselves into basket-cases. What didn’t happen obviously didn’t NEED to happen (or it would have happened!). We can grow in strength and grace while still acknowledging areas of life that need pruning. 😉
You’re NOT behind! There’s nowhere to “catch up” to! Let it gooooo…
All my love!

I’m moving in 3 weeks and I am also downsizing so this is a chance to re-examine where I am going and what I need to take with me to get there. So far 6 boxes of books are going to the college library where I teach so I can borrow them if I need to. Hopefully a slimmer me in terms of “stuff” will add clarity to the future. Thanks for your wisdom.

I’m moving in 3 weeks and I am also downsizing so this is a chance to re-examine where I am going and what I need to take with me to get there. So far 6 boxes of books are going to the college library where I teach so I can borrow them if I need to. Hopefully a slimmer me in terms of “stuff” will add clarity to the future. Thanks for your wisdom.